Plume management kits
Discussion
My oil fired central heating boiler is 20 years old, but still performs well and my heating engineer believes it could easily last a further 10 years or longer. The boiler is a Boulter Camray Quartet 110/150 and is non-condensing, hence the flue gases are quite hot. The balanced flue outlet is approx 4ft above ground level and is protected by a mesh guard, but the gases are directed towards my neighbour's property.
My neighbour is unhappy that the flue gases vent in the direction of his property and has asked that I fit a 'plume management kit'. I asked my heating engineer about this and he says it is not possible to add any ducting to a balanced flue outlet. My neighbour says my engineer is wrong and asked me to look at plume management kits. On searching, it seems to me that these kits are designed for condensing boilers, where the gases are at much lower temperatures and condense as steam. My boiler emits hot gases, which do not condense to steam.
I do not object to adding ducting to re-direct the gases, if possible, but I have no idea how to go about this. Does anyone know if any form of plume/gases management can be added to a balanced flue, or is my neighbour wrong?
My neighbour is unhappy that the flue gases vent in the direction of his property and has asked that I fit a 'plume management kit'. I asked my heating engineer about this and he says it is not possible to add any ducting to a balanced flue outlet. My neighbour says my engineer is wrong and asked me to look at plume management kits. On searching, it seems to me that these kits are designed for condensing boilers, where the gases are at much lower temperatures and condense as steam. My boiler emits hot gases, which do not condense to steam.
I do not object to adding ducting to re-direct the gases, if possible, but I have no idea how to go about this. Does anyone know if any form of plume/gases management can be added to a balanced flue, or is my neighbour wrong?
Your neighbour is talking cobblers about fitting a plume kit. Doesn't exist for your appliance type, ignoring the fact it isn't a 'plume' your oil fired boiler produces.
You may wish to look at the siting of your balanced flue though (albeit a bit late now...) Clear rules on boundary proximity etc, Google is your friend on this.
You may wish to look at the siting of your balanced flue though (albeit a bit late now...) Clear rules on boundary proximity etc, Google is your friend on this.
What is the distance to the boundary from the outlet, and how near is your neighbour's nearest door or window?
I think he may have a point as the exhaust from a 20yo oil boiler can be smelly, but as another poster says - he's a bit late in complaining.
It's always difficult to smooth over these types of irritation, I wish you luck.
I think he may have a point as the exhaust from a 20yo oil boiler can be smelly, but as another poster says - he's a bit late in complaining.
It's always difficult to smooth over these types of irritation, I wish you luck.
Thanks again for your advice. I am genuinely looking for a solution and I agree that fumes from a 20yo oil boiler will not be pleasant.
The wall of my property where the flue is situated is 360mm from the legal boundary. There is no physical fence or wall along the legal boundary line, and for all practical purposes the boundary is the wall of my house. There is a stainless steel mesh guard over the flue exit, which protrudes 270mm from the wall, and is therefore entirely on my property. I have no access to this 360mm strip of land and rely on the goodwill of my neighbour for access to undertake maintenance (checking flue gas temps, painting windows, etc). The flue exit is at least 10m away from my neighbour's nearest windows/doors, but is adjacent to my laundry room window. However, he wishes to use the area next to my house as a patio area for sitting out. There is little doubt that under current regulations the existing flue outlet would not be permitted. But it is where it is and, presumably, complied with all regulations at the time. I have lived here for 16 years, hence the boiler was installed by the previous owner of my house. My current neighbour moved in 8 years ago, so the flue was there when he bought his property. There is no formal agreement in place regarding this boundary.
My neighbour initially proposed erecting a wooden fence along the line of the legal boundary, in front of the flue outlet. I have pointed out that this will pose a fire risk and, also, might affect the proper functioning of my boiler. My insurer advises that they have no issue as long as any new fence complies with building regulations. My neighbour is now backing off from the idea of a fence, but instead wants to put a solid obstacle in front of the flue exit.
We both want to find an amicable solution, and my wife and I have agreed to look into what can be done. Clearly, the cost of relocating our boiler would be substantial, but I am at a loss to know what else we can do. I am inclined to agree with the view that it is now too late to complain, but I do not want to fall out. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
The wall of my property where the flue is situated is 360mm from the legal boundary. There is no physical fence or wall along the legal boundary line, and for all practical purposes the boundary is the wall of my house. There is a stainless steel mesh guard over the flue exit, which protrudes 270mm from the wall, and is therefore entirely on my property. I have no access to this 360mm strip of land and rely on the goodwill of my neighbour for access to undertake maintenance (checking flue gas temps, painting windows, etc). The flue exit is at least 10m away from my neighbour's nearest windows/doors, but is adjacent to my laundry room window. However, he wishes to use the area next to my house as a patio area for sitting out. There is little doubt that under current regulations the existing flue outlet would not be permitted. But it is where it is and, presumably, complied with all regulations at the time. I have lived here for 16 years, hence the boiler was installed by the previous owner of my house. My current neighbour moved in 8 years ago, so the flue was there when he bought his property. There is no formal agreement in place regarding this boundary.
My neighbour initially proposed erecting a wooden fence along the line of the legal boundary, in front of the flue outlet. I have pointed out that this will pose a fire risk and, also, might affect the proper functioning of my boiler. My insurer advises that they have no issue as long as any new fence complies with building regulations. My neighbour is now backing off from the idea of a fence, but instead wants to put a solid obstacle in front of the flue exit.
We both want to find an amicable solution, and my wife and I have agreed to look into what can be done. Clearly, the cost of relocating our boiler would be substantial, but I am at a loss to know what else we can do. I am inclined to agree with the view that it is now too late to complain, but I do not want to fall out. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
I know it's awful late but I have taken over a new property that had a gas check done before I bought it by the seller (supposedly) . The flue outlet comes out near the boundry between the semi bungalows it looks illegal. What worse is the neighbours have insisted in the past that a fence go up to stop the smell she claims it has been replaced by the sellers don because the last one caught on fire .. whether this is true I don't know or whether fumes that come out the flue can de fire to wooden fences I don't know. I thought a plume diverter would solve my problem but seems not after reading this story. Is there any way of diverting a non condensating oil fired boiler flue?
youngalistai said:
I know it's awful late but I have taken over a new property that had a gas check done before I bought it by the seller (supposedly) . The flue outlet comes out near the boundry between the semi bungalows it looks illegal. What worse is the neighbours have insisted in the past that a fence go up to stop the smell she claims it has been replaced by the sellers don because the last one caught on fire .. whether this is true I don't know or whether fumes that come out the flue can de fire to wooden fences I don't know. I thought a plume diverter would solve my problem but seems not after reading this story. Is there any way of diverting a non condensating oil fired boiler flue?
You’re right, too late.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff